I can’t tell you how excited I am to introduce you to Bart Hamilton. I met Bart at the Athens Catfish Literary Festival this past summer. His book covers looked pretty stinking awesome (yes, I judge books by their covers) so I had to walk over and check them out. I was glad I did because not only did I find some really well written YA books, I made a new author friend! It doesn’t hurt that Bart is one of the nicest people on the planet.

Bart’s books, the Lords of Vengeance series, are action/adventure tales for young adults, but they’re those types of books that even adults can enjoy. Personally, I like books that focus on teens who are thrown into dire circumstances and, as the reader, we get to watch how they handle it.

Author Questions

A. When you realize you wanted to be an author?

B. I used to tell stories as a kid. My mom, sister, and I would drive to Decatur every Monday to see my Ma-maw and Pap-Paw and I would be just talking away the whole time. Eventually, my mother was like “You know, you should write this stuff down on paper.” It was a nice way of telling me to shut up. That’s when the seed was planted, I suppose.

A. In what genre do you write?

B. Young adult. Action/Adventure

A. Is there a genre you haven’t written in, but want to?

B. I’ve always wanted to try Fantasy or Science Fiction. Maybe one day I will.

A. What is your writing process? Such as outlining, freehand, and computer vs. pen?

B. I don’t do outlines. I feel really restricted when I try them. I like to change plans and if you don’t stick to the outline then there’s no point in having it anyway. I do everything on the computer.

B. A little bit. You always need to get your facts straight before you put it on a page. For instance, I researched the effects of a gunshot on the human body. For this next book, I’m going to be writing a scene about the Stock Exchange so I’m going to do some research on that.

A. Do you ever find the research tedious? It is for your novels, but is there any time you’re like, “Oh gosh, why did I chose this topic?”

B. Some topics are harder to research than others. For instance, one character in my next novel will have cancer resulting from radiation poisoning. That…is going to be a pain to research. So, the answer is yes.

A. Do you listen to music as you write or edit? If so, who do you listen to?

B. Yes! All the time! I listen to a lot of instrumental music. Movie composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Lindsey Stirling. I also love a group call Two Steps from Hell.

A. When you’re not being an amazing author and writing away, what do you for fun?

B. I enjoy playing video games, reading books, and going running. I’m also into Theater. I’m a member of the Athenian Players.

A. You have to tell us more about being an actor. What is about theater that draws you?

B. I’m a bit of introvert and theater gives me a chance to be the exact opposite. When you’re onstage, everyone is there to see you. Shyness melts away and someone else comes out. It’s fun.

A. What has been the most exciting experience for you since starting your writing career?

B. I’ve been on TV multiple times. That never gets old.

A. Who created your amazing cover art?

B. The spectacular Lisa Buijteweg! She is on Twitter under the handle @Zolaiida if you want to contact her.

A. Is there an artist, book blogger, editor or anyone else that you want to give a shout out to?

B. Angie Paule is my editor and I love her so much. I wouldn’t be able to do this without her.

A. Give us a brief description of your WIP (work in progress) or your newest novel.

B. My newest novel is the third of the series. It’s titled “Lords of Vengeance: The Giant”. To use Stephen King’s what ifadvice when describing a novel…What if a secret, wealthy organization began training kids (prodigies) at 16 years of age for the next five years to be spies, assassins, computer hackers, or scientists? What if that organization came under attack by people it had made into enemies?

A. That’s a really good blurb for your book! Are they easy to write for you? Some authors dread having to condense their novel into a single paragraph.

B. Not hard, really. You just need to stop and think about it for a while. Try doing it for your favorite TV show or Movie for practice.

Halloween Questions

A. This is a Halloween blog post so you must tell us, do you enjoy Halloween? Why or why not?

B. –I do like Halloween! It’s the one time of the year where it’s socially acceptable to be someone other than yourself.

A. Do you have any Halloween traditions?

B. For the past few years. I’ve dressed up in a costume, got several bags of candy, and gave it out to people I know. And to a few I don’t.

A. Do you believe in the spiritual realm?

B. Yes, I do. I am a Christian, after all.

A. Have you ever had an encounter with a ghost or something happen that you just can’t explain?

B. I have. After my grandmother passed away, I “dreamed” she came to me. We talked. She told me she loved me and then told me about some personal things that were headed my way. They have come true. It wasn’t scary. I think God gave her special permission to do it. She could sweet talk anyone. LOL.

A. What is your favorite scary movie and/or book?

B. Amanda Porter’s Darkness Trilogy. That chick can write!

A. Oh, stop it! 😉

A. Most importantly, what is your favorite Halloween candy?

B. KIT KATS!

Reader Questions

A. What author would you geek out over if you met them in real life?

B. J.K. Rowling, obviously.

A. SAME!

A. Hands down, what is your favorite book of all time and why?

B. Star Wars: Episode III. It was just so brilliantly written. The movie didn’t do it justice. It really inspired me to examine the duality of my characters when I started writing. The darkness that resides in all humans, the capability of doing good or evil, is something that makes for good characterization.

A. Oooo! You must tell us your opinion of the new Star Wars era. Did you enjoy the new movie?

B. I loved the new movie! Took me back to my childhood. I like the new continuity, but I really miss the characters in the old one. Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin were Han and Leia’s kids. Mara Jade was Luke’s wife and Ben was his son. Now it’s all gone…

A. What book would you like to see in film or do you believe that books should be left alone?

B. I’m all for books being made into films if it gets people to want to read more. As for which book I’d like to see be made into a film…MINE. 😀

A. As a reader, what about a book turns you away?

B. The lack of plot movement and character development. You might as well be reading a textbook if it doesn’t have either of those. Not that there’s anything wrong with reading a textbook.

A. If you find you can’t get into a book, do you put it down or be a trooper and finish it?

B. I wish I could say that I always finish it, but I don’t. If I’m not enjoying it, I’ll put it down.

A. Do you stick to one genre or do you like to read around?

B. I read around. I like Mysteries, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Christian Fiction.

A. Are you a book-in-your-hands reader, e-booker, or both?

B. I like it in my hands. E-books are easier, true, but they’re odorless. I love the smell of books, old and new. Smell triggers memory and I want to remember what I read.

I’ve introduced you to Melanie and Ashley, but now it’s time to get to know me a bit more. I use this questionnaire for my author interviews, but have never answered the questions myself. They’re a lot tougher than I thought. Ha!

A.G. Porter is the author of The Darkness Trilogy, a YA Paranormal Thriller. She is an Independent Author who enjoys writing scary stories as much as she loves reading them. A.G. enjoys writing stories about real people in supernatural situations. She also puts a lot of her faith into her books because she knows that without Christ she is lost and without God she is nothing. Currently, A.G. is working on the last book in the trilogy. When she isn’t writing, she’s either taking pictures, reading, making nerdy jewelry, watching movies, or spending much needed time with her family. A.G. lives in New Hope, Alabama with her husband, Billy, stepson, Brenton, and their 4 dogs.

The Shadow; Book One in The Darkness Trilogy

Author Questions

When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

I’m going to give the most cliché answer ever here. I’ve always loved writing. I feel like it’s been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. However, it wasn’t until I was in the 9th grade that the writing bug really sunk its teeth in and wouldn’t let go.

In what genre do you write?

I write in the Paranormal genre for Young Adults.

Is there a genre you haven’t written in, but want to?

There are so many different genres I’d like to try my hand at. I really would like to delve into Epic Fantasy. I actually started writing a series nearly 7 years ago, but it has gotten so in depth with history, characters, and location. Yes, I’ve even drawn a map!

I just free style it. I have an idea in my head, but I don’t outline. The fantasy book is as outlined as I have ever been and that really surprised me. With that series though, I had to write everything down. There is just too much to keep up with. However, my other stories aren’t outlined or any details written out prior to going into it. I just let it flow. I’ll start with a journal and then get it all transcribed on screen.

Who are you writing inspirations, famous or not?

I have met some great authors over my time “in the field.” So, there are definitely a few that have inspired me in different ways. Ashley Chappell, Brian Weimer, Jeremy Hicks, and Kyle Hannah, just to name a few. There are a few authors I have been reading for years that have been great influences, such as, Dean Koontz, J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, and R.L Stine.

How much research, if any, did you have to put into your novel(s)?

Since my work is primarily fiction, I didn’t have to do much research. My books take place in a real town, so I at least studied the area prior to writing about it.

Do you listen to music while you write or edit? If so, who do you listen to?

I do listen to music while I write and edit, but it’s different for each process. When I’m writing I’ll listen to lyrical music, such as, Three Days Grace (before Adam left), Breaking Benjamin, Evanescence, Taylor Swift, Christina Perri, Our Last Night, and Andie Case, just to name a few. If I’m editing then I have to listen to something instrumental because the lyrics mess me up. I love listening to Lindsey Sterling.

When you’re not being an amazing author and writing away, what do you for fun?

What has been the most exciting experience for you since starting your writing career?

I have had many memorable moments, but nothing beats hearing from people who enjoy my books. It just gives me butterflies every time someone loves my stories as much as I do.

Who created your amazing cover art?

I’ve worked with two amazing artists, Mel Gannon and TaniaART. They are simply beautiful souls and talented beyond my expectations. I have been so blessed to know them.

Is there an artist, book blogger, editor, or anyone else that you want to give a shout out to?

There are really too many to name, but I can’t thank all of the people who have been Beta Readers enough. Your feedback is priceless.

Give us a brief description of your WIP (work in progress) or your newest novel.

I’m in the final writing stages of Book 3 of The Darkness Trilogy. I do not have a “The End” on it yet, but after my rereading I know that there will be one. If you’ve followed Rayna’s journey up until this point then you know it has been a long and dark road. There is much more left of her story and things only get darker. Friendships are tested, love is challenged, and faith means more than anything if she and her group want to defeat The Shadow.

The Forsaken, Book Two in The Darkness Trilogy

Reader Questions

What author would you geek out over if you met them in real life?

Dean Koontz, J.K. Rowling, R.L. Stine…Stine has been in my reading life for as long as I can remember. I really think I would flat out fangirl if I ever met him.

It’s completely impossible for a reader to pick their favorite book. However, if you were banished to a deserted island with no hope of returning and were allowed to bring 5 books with you, which ones would you choose?

When writing this question I didn’t realize how difficult it was! Ugh! OK, let me try. First, I would have to bring the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. In my defense of combining the three books, Tolkien did want to make it all one big book. It was his editor who split it up. Next, Circle of Fire by R.L. Stine. It completely freaks me out. I love it! Though it might not be a good idea to read a scary book on a deserted island… The third book I would take would be The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. It isn’t my favorite book in the series, but it is the longest so it would take me longer to get through. I still love it even if it’s not my favorite. The fourth book would be The Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling, because it IS my favorite book in the Harry Potter Series. Lastly, I have to take Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. Odd Thomas is my literary soul mate. 🙂

What book would you like to see in film or do you believe that books should be left alone?

I would love to see Garth Nix’s The Abhorsen Trilogy in a movie. I’m not sure how well received it would be considering that it is quite the fantasy ride, but if done well, it will be amazing!!

As a reader, what about a book turns you away?

Unnecessary graphic language, violence, or sex. Even my own books have an element of violence to them since they are thrillers and there is a supernatural battle taking place. However, if you’re writing these things just for shock value then it is noticeable. I can’t stand that.

If you find you can’t get into a book, do you put it down or be a trooper and finish it?

Most of the time I finish the book, but there have been a few times that I couldn’t make myself do it.

Do you stick to one genre or do you like to read around?

I do have a favorite genre, paranormal, but I do read mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction.

Are you a book-in-your-hands reader, e-booker, or both?

Both, really. I love a real, in my hands book though, more than anything.

This Friday, July 24th, will be the YA Book Signing at New Hope Public Library in New Hope, AL. I’ll be joined by two fantastic YA Authors. One of them is Ashley Chappell, author of the Dreams of Chaos Trilogy. It feels as though I’ve known Ashley my entire life, but in reality it’s been just a short time. But that is just the kind of person Ashley is; she makes you feel welcome no matter who you are.

I was more than happy that she agreed to come to this signing and share her work with the people of New Hope and surrounding towns. And while I feel like I know her pretty well, I couldn’t help but dig a little deeper into her work. So, sit back, relax, and get to know more about one of the best YA Authors out there today.

Author Questions

When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

It probably wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that my love of books began in utero. My mother read constantly throughout her pregnancy and then read her books as well as mine to me from the time she brought me home to the moment she handed the reading reigns over to me as a kindergartner. However, I can’t say that there was a single moment in my life that I decided, ‘Hey, I should write one of these things.’ For me, writing was a natural step from my love of reading, although my motivations for writing have evolved over the years.

In what genre do you write?

Primarily Fantasy, but I love to step outside of the other-worldly on occasion for a good old-fashioned Satire. Mostly, I think, because it helps keep me the heavier cynicism out of my fantasy.

Is there a genre you haven’t written in, but want to?

I do have story lines that I want to pursue in Science Fiction, but I don’t have the time for the research yet. One day!

I think best when my fingers are flying across a keyboard and not giving my brain enough time to overthink a scene. My writing is always strongest when it starts out fast and ugly. As for pens… ugh. I get a hand cramp just signing books!

Ashley’s deep south satire, Of War & Taters

Who are you writing inspirations, famous or not?

Without a doubt, those would be Sir Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. When the long nights and weekends of studying manuscript preparation, revising, editing, re-revising and editing my edits exhaust me while the characters for new stories are jumping on my back to get my attention it is always a dog-eared Pratchett novel that I pull down to restore my sanity. And let me tell you, restoring my sanity is no small task. But I’ve also fallen in love of late with Catherynne Valente and Patrick Rothfuss for their lyrical styles. They both can make a page flow straight into the canvas of the imagination.

How much research, if any, did you have to put into your novel(s)?

Most of my research has been into mythology and the study of historical cultures that were beginning to drift away from their classical pantheons. Granted, war and conquest were typical causes for a theological shift in a culture, but they seldom stood alone. Scientific advancement, easing societal taboos, and most especially prosperity were always key drivers in the shift away from devout pantheistic belief structures in which all natural phenomena were ascribed to the machinations of the gods. I wanted to create a society that was in that later stage of development and no longer “needed” the gods, but that were on occasion reminded of their existence through typically unfortunate events. I wanted to answer one primary question before I began writing a pantheistic culture endowed with magic and science side by side: What happens to a society that has evolved past blind faith in gods to make the sun rise every day, but can still be subject to the whims of otherwise disinterested gods? The Dreams of Chaos series explores that relationship across all three of the books.

Do you listen to music while you write or edit? If so, who do you listen to?

Rain Ambience! Although right now I’m listening to some soft instrumental paired with it. I need something to drown out the world outside, but if it has words I’ll forget what I’m doing and sing at the top of my lungs 🙂

When you’re not being an amazing author and writing away, what do you for fun?

What? There are other times? Ha! I read every chance I get, but I also love to be outside on the water. My husband and I go sailing and camp on the boat any chance we get – which are unfortunately far fewer than we would like.

What has been the most exciting experience for you since starting your writing career?

That’s an easy one to answer – it’s every single time I get a nice note or a great review from a total stranger. They have no ulterior motives for telling me they found and enjoyed my work, and nothing to gain other than my eternal gratitude, but it feels AMAZING. It makes every day cursing at a keyboard not just worthwhile, but absolutely a mission.

Is there an artist, book blogger, editor, or anyone else that you want to give a shout out to?

Specifically?? Oh lordy. It might sound like a cop out, but I can’t narrow down this list without doing hundreds of others serious injustice. The literary network is so much more than authors – although we’re certainly the neediest of the group. I’ve met a number of book bloggers, editors, and artists who are every bit as passionate about the written word and support the advancement of it in a million ways, whether they do it for a career or as a much-loved hobby. We owe them all so much!

Give us a brief description of your WIP (work in progress) or your newest novel.

I’m still working on my monster, the third and final book in the YA Dreams of Chaos series. A God of Gods: Dreams of Chaos #3 is going to wrap up Trotter’s story arc. She’s no longer able to hide from her role in the prophecies of Realm, though other entities, more ancient and powerful than the gods themselves, are trying to alter her role to suit their own ends.

Reader Questions

What author would you geek out over if you met them in real life?

Since I can no longer meet Sir Terry (cry!), it would have to be Neil Gaiman. I’d probably stand there like a moron and gape given the chance, however.

It’s completely impossible for a reader to pick their favorite book. However, if you were banished to a deserted island with no hope of returning and were allowed to bring 5 books with you, which ones would you choose?

Hmmm… time for a little creative cheating! 1. The Wheel of Time Compendium. It might way 500 lbs and be 5 feet thick, but I’m sure I can cram it all into one book 😉 2. Night Watch by Terry Pratchett. 3. American Gods by Neil Gaiman. 4. Ringworld by Larry Niven. 5. Can I make this a revolving slot? Picking one last book is giving me a stroke..

What book would you like to see in film or do you believe that books should be left alone?

I have the same answer for both sides of that question. I would LOVE to watch the Wheel of Time series on a big screen, no matter how huge and sprawling the films would have to be. On the other hand, I also know Hollywood would cut out hundreds of pages of the slower parts (aka, parts where nothing goes “boom”) and I’d spend the entire experience gnashing my teeth and composing hate mail that might earn me a place on a watch list.

As a reader, what about a book turns you away?

Too much backstory. If the author can’t weave important information fluidly into the story without having to stop the story for an expository aside, I’m going to get bored because I’ll never fall into a rhythm reading that way.

If you find you can’t get into a book, do you put it down or be a trooper and finish it?

I can only think of 1 book I’ve ever finally given up trying to read. Of course, that means I’ve also finished some real turds, too. And no, I’m not sharing the name of the book I gave up reading.

Do you stick to one genre or do you like to read around?

I tend to stay with fantasy, science fiction, and satire above all else. I enjoy historical fiction (I am a huge Ken Follett fan), but it’s not a genre I crave in the same way as I do the others.

Are you a book-in-your-hands reader, e-booker, or both?

I swore for the longest time that they’d have to pry a bound book out of my cold, dead hands. My arthritic neck and bad eyes had other plans, however. I hardly ever read on anything but an e-reader now.

Random Questions

Favorite movie?

Okay, now you’re putting me in stroke territory again.

Favorite TV show?

What is it with you? You’re a sadist! Too many possibilities!

If you could eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Salmon Nigiri!!

What’s your favorite candy/dessert?

Reese’s Pieces. But only if you say it exactly like E.T.

What band or musician can you listen to over and over again? You can list more than one.

Nickel Creek, Zee Avi… those are two of my usual obsessions.

What’s your hidden talent?

I can out-belch my husband? Okay, I probably shouldn’t claim that, but it’s true. I still dabble in piano enough to write the music for my book trailers, but I’m rustier than ever.

What is your dream vacation?

I want to rent a quiet apartment on a Croatian island in the off season, maybe Hvar, and write in old-world paradise.